What Would You Say to Your Younger Military Self? A Veteran’s Reflection

If I could sit down with my younger military self, fresh out of boot camp, full of energy, and eager to take on the world, I’d have a lot to say. Looking back on the years I spent in uniform, the challenges I faced, the lessons I learned, and the camaraderie I built, there are a few pieces of advice I wish I could have handed over to that eager young soldier who thought he had it all figured out. If you’re just starting your military journey or are somewhere in the middle, maybe some of these words will resonate with you.

1. Pace Yourself: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

One of the first things I’d tell my younger military self is to pace yourself. The military isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. When you’re young and full of adrenaline, it’s easy to push yourself to the limit, thinking you have something to prove. Trust me, the drive to be the best is great, but if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll burn out before you even hit your stride.

To my younger military self, I’d emphasize that staying up all night studying for promotion boards or going hard at PT every day isn’t sustainable in the long run. Rest and recovery are just as crucial as the effort you put in. Listen to your body. Injuries are part of the game, but they don’t have to sideline you if you’re smart about taking care of yourself. Sleep, nutrition, and mental health are the foundations that will keep you going strong in the long run.

2. Embrace the Suck, but Don’t Lose Yourself

“Embrace the suck.” You’ll hear that phrase a lot, and it’s good advice. The military is tough, and there will be plenty of moments when it feels like everything is stacked against you. Whether it’s a grueling training exercise, a long deployment, or dealing with the endless bureaucracy, it’s important to develop the resilience to push through. My younger military self would benefit from knowing that it’s okay to struggle—what matters is how you push through those struggles.

But here’s what I’d add to my younger military self: Don’t lose yourself in the process. It’s easy to get caught up in the military culture and forget who you were before you put on the uniform. Remember why you joined in the first place—those values and goals you had are still important. Stay true to who you are, even when things get tough. The military will shape you, but don’t let it erase the essence of who you are.

3. Build Strong Relationships: They Are Your Lifeline

I can’t stress enough to my younger military self the importance of relationships in the military. The bonds you form with your fellow service members will be some of the strongest connections you’ll ever have. These are the people who will have your back in the toughest situations, and the friendships you make will last a lifetime.

Trust is the foundation of every good unit. Build it with your teammates, and be someone they can rely on. The military is a team effort, and no one succeeds alone. Whether it’s in the field, during PT, or just hanging out after a long day, those connections are your lifeline. Invest in them, younger military self.

At the same time, I’d tell my younger military self not to neglect the relationships you have outside of the military. It’s easy to get so wrapped up in your service that you forget to call home or stay in touch with old friends. Your family and non-military friends are your support system, and you’ll need them, especially when the going gets tough. Make time for them, and don’t let those connections fade.

4. Keep Learning: Knowledge Is Power

The military will teach you a lot, younger military self, but don’t rely solely on what you learn during training. Keep seeking knowledge, both inside and outside the military. Whether it’s furthering your education, learning a new skill, or staying informed about the world, knowledge is power.

There are so many educational opportunities available to you as a service member—take advantage of them, younger military self. Tuition assistance, the GI Bill, and various training programs can help you prepare for life after the military. The skills you gain while serving are invaluable, but combining them with further education will set you up for success in your post-military career.

The military is constantly evolving, and so should you, younger military self. Stay curious and adaptable. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to handle whatever comes your way. Whether it’s mastering a new piece of equipment, understanding the latest tactics, or simply staying informed about global events, never stop learning.

5. Prepare for Life After the Military

One thing I wish I had thought about earlier is life after the military. When you’re young, it feels like you’ll be in the service forever, but the reality is that your military career is just one chapter of your life. Planning for the future is essential, younger military self.

Start thinking about your transition to civilian life early, younger military self, even if you plan to serve for 20 years. What do you want to do when you get out? How will you translate your military skills to the civilian world? What kind of lifestyle do you want? These are questions you should start asking yourself sooner rather than later.

Financial planning is another crucial aspect, younger military self. Save money, invest wisely, and take advantage of the financial resources available to you. The military offers a steady paycheck, but once you’re out, you’ll need to be prepared for a different kind of financial landscape. Build a nest egg and plan for the long term.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If there’s one thing I’d drill into my younger military self, it’s this: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The military fosters a culture of toughness and self-reliance, which is great, but it’s also important to recognize when you need support.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, younger military self. If you’re struggling, reach out. Whether it’s talking to a buddy, seeking out a chaplain, or getting professional help, there’s no shame in taking care of your mental well-being. The earlier you address any issues, the better off you’ll be.

The military offers numerous resources to help you, younger military self, from counseling services to financial advisors. Don’t hesitate to use them. They’re there for a reason, and taking advantage of these resources is a sign of strength, not weakness.

7. Enjoy the Ride: Make the Most of Every Moment

Finally, I’d tell my younger military self to enjoy the ride. The military offers experiences that are unlike anything else in the world. You’ll travel, meet incredible people, and do things you never imagined. Make the most of it.

Embrace the adventures, both big and small, younger military self. Whether you’re stationed in a foreign country, learning a new skill, or participating in a challenging mission, these are moments that will shape you. Take it all in, and don’t take it for granted.

Take time to reflect on your experiences and appreciate what you’re doing, younger military self. The military is demanding, but it’s also rewarding in ways that are hard to describe. You’re part of something bigger than yourself, and that’s something to be proud of.

Conclusion: Wisdom for the Journey

If I could sit down with my younger military self, I’d tell him that the journey ahead is going to be tough, but it’s also going to be one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. The lessons you learn in the military will stay with you forever, shaping the person you become. So, to all the young service members out there, take this advice to heart. Pace yourself, stay true to your values, build strong relationships, keep learning, plan for the future, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and above all, enjoy the ride. Your time in the military is a chapter in your life that you’ll look back on with pride—make the most of it.